Tamara Rubilar
Embroiderer
Montreal, Canada
Reviving bespoke embroidery traditions
- Tamara revives, preserves and shares traditional embroidery techniques
- She works on commissions and the transmission of rare craft knowledge
- Her embroidery inspires wonder, beauty and reflection in the viewer
Born in Chile and based in Montreal, Tamara Rubilar is an embroiderer whose practice bridges European heritage techniques with contemporary bespoke work. Trained in textiles at the Centre for Contemporary Textiles in Montreal, she pursued advanced professional training in Europe. Tamara completed her training at the École Lesage in Paris and at the Royal School of Needlework in the UK, moving to specialised studies in Spain, where she learned traditional gold embroidery for ceremonial and religious garments. Today, she works on custom commissions spanning fashion, costume and historical reproduction. Through her studio and courses, Tamara is committed to teaching rare techniques that have largely disappeared in Canada. "I aim to uphold embroidery as a rigorous craft discipline while evoking emotion, mystery and wonder," she says.
INTERVIEW
I first encountered embroidery at the Centre for Contemporary Textiles in Montreal. The simple act of stitching by hand, creating patterns and textures, instantly fascinated me. It became a passion that grew naturally into my life’s work.
Teaching allows me to share rare European techniques, preserving a heritage that has faded in Canada. It connects people to history, memory and craftsmanship, while giving them the joy and calm of creating with their hands.
My work aims to spark emotion and wonder. I want viewers to feel beauty and curiosity, to pause and dream. Each piece holds a touch of mystery, inviting imagination and personal interpretation beyond technique.
I want to offer beauty and optimism in a chaotic world. Through embroidery, I create a space of calm and reflection where people can reconnect with emotion, the handmade and the enduring value of craft.
